Wheelbarrow mounted yard waste bag system

ABSTRACT

A portable yard waste bag system that includes a bag holding accessory that attaches to the front top edge of a wheelbarrow that temporarily holds a yard waste bag in an opened position in the bucket. The accessory includes a top ring with a pendent skirt with a plurality of longitudinally aligned slits that divide the skirt into a plurality of radially aligned leaves. The lower edges of the leaves on the skirts formed along the top ring&#39;s front 180 degree arc connected to first strap that curves around and connects to the front top edge of a wheelbarrow. The lower edges of the leaves extend downward from the top ring&#39;s rear 180 degree arc and connect to a second strap that curves upward and extends transversely over the bucket. When assembled on the wheelbarrow, the front strap engages the front edge while the top ring is held in a forward extending, diagonally position directly over the wheel. A waste bag is unfolded and extends through the top ring&#39;s center opening so that the bottom end rests against inside the bucket. The top edge of the bag is folded over the top ring. An optional lid is provided and connects over the top ring to close the bag.

This is a utility patent application which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/327,584, filed on Apr. 23, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to yard waste disposal systems, and more particularly to such systems that use a flexible bag that is filled and transported in a wheelbarrow.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is common for homeowners to deposit yard waste into a disposable or reusable paper or plastic bag which is either left at the curbside or emptied into a larger yard waste bin for pickup by a sanitary worker.

One problem with using bags for collecting yard waste is that it can be difficult to hold the bag in an unfolded extended position and in an open position to dispose yard waste into the bag. This is especially problematic when depositing yard waste into a new bag or a partially filled bag that is wet from being stored outdoors. It is also problematic when depositing yard waste into the bag from a wide rake or a lawn mower grass catcher.

Another problem with using plastic bags is that the yard waste gradually settles at the bottom of the bag and causes the bag to take on a conical or an ‘beaker-like’ shape. If the yard waste is heavy, the user must support the bottom of the bag when lifting the bag to prevent tearing.

Many homeowners own wheelbarrows that are used to transport plants, beauty bark, planting soil, fertilizer, and open yard waste. Most wheelbarrows have a single front wheel that enables it to be moved by lifting the handles and pushing it over the uneven or wet terrain. Unfortunately, the single front wheel makes the wheelbarrow susceptible to tipping over if the cargo is not evenly dispersed in the bucket.

What is needed is an accessory that can be easily attached to the bucket of a wheelbarrow that holds a disposable yard waste bag in an open, partially extended position in the bucket. What is also needed is an accessory that centrally aligns the bag in the bucket to prevent unbalance cargo. What is also needed is an accessory that continuously holds the bag's opening in an open position and can be selectively closed by a lid so that partially filled bags may be temporarily closed to keep the yard waste in the bag dry. What is also needed is an accessory that can be easily attached or detached from the wheelbarrow so that the wheelbarrow may still be used for hauling other cargo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above stated needs are met by a wheelbarrow mounted yard waste bag system that includes a bag holding accessory that selectively attaches to the top edge of a wheelbarrow bucket. Disposed inside the bag holding accessory is a disposable bag which is held in a open and partially expanded position over the bucket's center axis. The bag holding accessory holds the top opening of the bag in an elevated, diagonally aligned positioned over the bucket so that the user may easily fill the bag while standing adjacent to the bucket. When attached to the accessory, the closed bottom end of the bag rests inside the waste deposit area in the bucket.

More specifically, the bag holding accessory includes a rigid top ring with a pendent skirt that extends downward from the top ring partially engage a section of the top edge of the bucket to hold the top ring in a diagonally aligned, elevated position above the bucket. The skirt includes a first section that extends downward from the top ring and a second section that extends downward from the opposite side of the top ring. In the embodiment shown herein, the first and second sections are each made of a plurality of radially aligned, downward extending, flexible leaves. The distal edges of the leaves on the first section are connected to a horizontally aligned first strap that extends over the top edge of the bucket. The distal ends on the leaves located on the second section are attached to a second strap that extends transversely over the bucket near the bucket's midline axis. The leaves on the first and second sections are sufficiently strong so that the top ring with the top end of the waste bag attached thereto is continuously supported in an elevated position above the bucket while and the closed end of a waste bag rests inside the bucket.

When assembled on the bucket of a wheelbarrow, the first strap rests over and may engage the top edge of the bucket and the second strap extends transversely over the bucket from one side to the opposite side. A waste bag is unfolded and extended downward through the center opening formed in the top ring. The diameter and width of the top ring is sufficient so that top edge of the waste bag may be folded downward over the outside surface of the top ring, thereby temporarily attaching the top edge of the bag to the top ring. In one embodiment, the top ring is elevated and tilted forward over the bucket so that the user may stand in the front of the bucket and easily deposit yard waste directly into the bag. During use, the bag's top opening remains open thereby enabling the user to continuously fill the bag. An optional lid is provided that connects to the top ring when a bag is attached to the top ring hereby enabling the user to temporarily close the bag while it is attached to the top ring. When the bag is full of yard waste, the lid is removed, the top edge of the bag is unfolded from the top ring, and the accessory is then removed from the bucket. The bag is then transport via the wheelbarrow to the desire deposit site.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system that includes a wheelbarrow with the bag holding accessory attached to the top edge of the bucket, a disposable bag is placed in the accessory and held in a filling position, and with a removable lid.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the bag holding accessory.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective of the bag holding accessory.

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevational view of the front strap with a receiving slot formed therein that rests over the top edge of the wheelbarrow's bucket.

FIG. 5 is a sectional side elevational view of the rear strap attached to a leaf.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable yard waste bag system 10 that includes a wheelbarrow 70 with the bag holding accessory 14 attached to the top edge 74 of wheelbarrow's bucket 72. Located inside the bag holding accessory 14 is a disposable or reusable waste bag 60 which is held is a suitable position on the bucket 72 for depositing yard waste. The accessory 14 also holds the bag 60 in a relatively fixed upright position inside the bucket 72 so that the wheelbarrow 70 does not become imbalanced when moved. When the waste bag 60 is full, the accessory 14 can be easily removed from the waste bag 60 and the waste bag 60 can be easily lifted and removed or dumped from the bucket 72. An optional lid 50 is also provided that attaches to the accessory 14 that allows a waste bag 60, while still attached to the accessory 14, to be selectively closed.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bag holding accessory 14 includes a rigid top ring 20 with a pendent skirt 22 with a plurality of outward bending leaves 30 formed thereon. The leaves 30 are created by straight cuts in the plastic panel when pressed to position flex over 32 and 40 creating a plurality of V-shaped slits 34 cut longitudinally in the skirt 22 that enable the skirt 22 to bend and conform to different bucket shapes.

The lower edges of the leaves 30 on the front and side surfaces of the skirt 22 are connected to a flexible front strap 40 designed to bend around the front, top edge 73 of the bucket 72. As shown in FIG. 4, the front strap 40 includes a main body 42 with a front face 42 and a downward facing top edge engaging slot 46. The first strap 40 is sufficient in length to extend entirely around the front curved top edge 73 of the bucket 72. During use, the first strap 40 is aligned over the front curved top edge 73 of the bucket 72 and forced downward so that the top edge 73 is forced into the edge engaging slot 46. Suitable connectors 85 are used to attach the lower edges of the leaves 30 to the main body 42.

The second strap 34 extends transverse over the bucket 72 and connects to the opposite ends of the first strap 40. The second strap 34 is made of semi rigid, flexible material that bends slightly upward to hold the top ring 20 in a forward, diagonally aligned orientation over the bucket 72 as shown in FIG. 1. During use, the second strap 34 extends above the bag 60 a substantial distance so that the bag 60 may expand when filled with yard waste 90. Suitable connectors 85′ are used to attach the lower edges of the leaves 30 to the sides of the secondary strap 34.

An important aspect of the skirt 22 is that it holds the top ring 20 in an elevated, forward facing diagonally aligned position and centrally aligned over the wheelbarrow's wheel 80 at all times. This allows the waste bag 60 to be completely filled with light to medium weight yard waste and keeps the waste bag 60 centrally located in the bucket 72.

When assembled on a wheelbarrow 70, the front strap engages the top front edge 74 of the bucket 72. A waste bag 60 is unfolded and extended through the top ring 20. The top edge 62 of the waste bag 60 is folded rearward and over the outside surface of the top ring 72. As the user gradually fills the waste bag 60, the leaves 30 hold the top ring 20 in an elevated position above the bucket 72. A removable, optional lid 50 is provided that connects over the top ring 20 that enables the user to close the top opening of the waste bag 60.

The top ring measures 15 to 20 inches in diameter. The neck of the top ring 20 is approximately 3 inches in length. The skirt which is integrally formed with the neck 21 has a curved front edge and a straight rear edge.

The top ring 20, the neck 21 and the skirt are made of durable plastic used to manufacture a plastic 30 gallon garbage can with a side wall thickness of ⅛ to ⅜ inches thick. The leaves 30 formed on the skirt are slightly conical and fan outward and approximately 12 to 15 inches in length and approximately 2 inches in width near the top ring and consistent to their distal ends.

In compliance with the statute, the invention described herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown is comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms. The waste bag 60 is shoved downward so that the bottom of the waste bag 60 rests inside the bucket or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. A yard waste bag filling and transport system, comprising: a. a wheelbarrow with a bucket and at least one wheel located under said bucket, said bucket includes a top edge; b. a yard waste bag with a top opening and a closed end; and, c. a bag holding accessory that includes a top ring with a center opening, said top ring has a diameter substantially equal to said top opening on said yard waste bag, said bag holding accessory also includes downward extend skirt mounted along one edge to said top ring, said skirt extends downward from said top ring and engages said top edge on said bucket and holds said top ring in an elevated position above said bucket.
 2. The yard waste bag filling and transport system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said skirt includes a plurality of spaced apart, vertically aligned slits that divide said skirt into a plurality of leaves.
 3. The waste bag system, as recited in claim 2, further including a lid that selectively attaches to said top ring accessory.
 4. The yard waste bag filling and transport system, as recited in claim 2, wherein said top ring is aligned over said bucket and a portion of said leaves on said skirt slits that extend downward from said top ring and engage said top edge of said bucket adjacent thereto.
 5. The waste bag system, as recited in claim 4, further including a lid that selectively attaches to said top ring accessory.
 6. The yard waste bag filling and transport system, as recited in claim 4, wherein said leaves that extend downward from said top ring and further include a distal end, a portion of said leaves adjacent to said top edge of said bucket being coupled together to a first strap that engages said top edges of said bucket.
 7. The yard waste bag filling and transport system, as recited in claim 5, wherein a portion of said leaves not attached to said top edge extend downward from said top ring, and their distal ends are transversely aligned over said bucket.
 8. The yard waste bag filling and transport system, as recited in claim 7, wherein said leaves attached to said top ring and extend downward and transversely over said bucket include a distal end, said distal ends are attached to a second strap that extends transversely over said bucket.
 9. The yard waste bag filling and transport system, as recited in claim 1, further including a lid that selectively attaches to said top ring accessory.
 10. The yard waste bag filling and transport system, as recited in claim 7, wherein said skirt holds said top ring in an elevated, diagonally aligned orientation over said bucket.
 11. The yard waste bag filling and transport system, as recited in claim 1, wherein said skirt holds said top ring in an elevated, diagonally aligned orientation over said bucket.
 12. The yard waste bag system, as recited in claim 11, further including a lid that selectively attaches to said top ring accessory.
 14. A method for hauling yard waste comprising; a. selecting a wheelbarrow that includes a bucket with a top edge, two arms, at least two support legs, and at least one wheel located under said bucket, said bucket includes a front top edge; b. selecting a waste bag holding accessory for holding a waste yard bag in a diagonal forward extending position in said bucket, said bag holding accessory includes a top ring with downward extending skirt, said skirt includes a plurality of longitudinally aligned slits that form a plurality of leaves that extend downward from said top ring, each said leaf includes a lower edge, said lower edges of said leaves located on the front and side of said skirt being connected to a front strap to selectively engage said top edge of said bucket, said lower edges of said leaves located on the rear of said skirt being attached to a second strap, said slits and said leaves on said skirt being sufficient so that when said front strap is attached to said front top edge of said bucket and said second strap is extended transverse across said bucket, said top ring is positioned above said bucket, aligned in a forward facing, diagonally position and substantially over said wheel; c. selecting and unfolding a yard waste bag with an open end and a closed end; d. inserting said waste bag into the center opening so that said closed end is supported by said bucket and said open end is attached to said top ring; e. inserting yard waste through said open end of said waste bag supported by said top ring until said waste bag is filled with a desirable amount of yard waste; f. detaching said top edge of said waste bag from said top ring; and, g. removing said bag accessory from said bucket. 